Saturday, January 09, 2010

CBA evaluations -- 3rd Subcircuit

Allen F. Murphy -- Qualified*Allen Murphy is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Murphy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and has had a distinguished career in both the Public Guardian’s office and as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney. Mr. Murphy has extensive experience in criminal law and is well respected by his peers for his fine temperament, legal knowledge and ability.

Peter M. Kramer -- Not RecommendedThe candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association's governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

Thomas G. O’Brien -- Not RecommendedThe candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association's governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

Steven G. Watkins -- QualifiedSteven G. Watkins is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Watkins was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and is experienced in both civil and criminal law. Mr. Watkins has extensive trial experience and is well regarded for his fine demeanor and temperament. Mr. Watkins is also involved in community service. While Mr. Watkins has been the subject of several lawsuits, none of the cases involve the candidate's integrity or service to his clients.

Charles Francis Fitzgerald -- QualifiedCharles Francis Fitzgerald is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Fitzgerald was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and concentrates his practice primarily in criminal law. Mr. Fitzgerald also has served as an Administrative Law Judge. Mr. Fitzgerald possesses the requisite legal knowledge and experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Daniela Silaides -- Not RecommendedThe candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association's governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

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* This evaluation was apparently prepared prior to Judge Murphy's appointment to this vacancy by the Illinois Supreme Court.

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Darcy Vacancy

Edward Harmening -- Qualified*Edward S. Harmening is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Harmening was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1994 and currently serves as a Cook County State’s Attorney supervising several litigation attorneys handling civil matters. Mr. Harmening has a wide variety of practice experience and is well regarded for his calm demeanor and temperament. Mr. Harmening would be an excellent addition to the bench.

James Patrick Doran -- QualifiedJames Patrick Doran is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Doran was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1992 and serves as an Assistant Attorney General. Mr. Doran has a wide range of practice experience and is well regarded for his outstanding temperament. Mr. Doran possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Thomas J. Murphy -- QualifiedThomas J. Murphy is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Murphy was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1981 and served as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney before entering private practice in 1989. Mr. Murphy is well versed in both civil and criminal law. Mr. Murphy is highly regarded for his work ethic, integrity, and outstanding temperament and demeanor.

David J. Coleman -- QualifiedDavid Joseph Coleman is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Coleman was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney since his admission to the bar. Mr. Coleman has extensive trial experience and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

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* This evaluation was apparently prepared prior to Judge Harmening's appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court.

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"A" Vacancy

Daniel Malone -- Qualified*Daniel B. Malone is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Malone was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and has extensive trial experience. Mr. Malone is a seasoned practitioner who possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Ronald Joseph Hurley -- Not RecommendedThe candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association's governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

Mary McNamara -- Not RecommendedThe candidate declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association's governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.

Bernadette McNicholas -- QualifiedBernadette McNicholas is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. McNicholas was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and concentrates in domestic relations law. Ms. McNicholas is well respected for her knowledge of the law and legal experience.

Pamela Cotten -- Not RecommendedPamela Rose Cotten is "Not Recommended" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Cotten was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1995 and serves as an Assistant General Counsel for the Chicago Housing Authority. Ms. Cotten is dedicated to helping residents of the CHA and is well regarded for her diligence, fine temperament, and integrity. Ms. Cotten's practice with the CHA has been limited and additional experience in handling varied and complex legal matters is needed for service as a judge. At this stage of her career, Ms. Cotten does not possess the requisite breadth and depth of legal experience to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

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* This evaluation was apparently prepared prior to Judge Malone's appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court.

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